Lady Cats fall short in district final

Summerland girls' basketball season ended Friday evening, following a 36-30 loss to Hartington Cedar Catholic.

"I was really proud of our girls and the effort and performance they had," Coach Greg Appley said. "We really played well for three and one-half quarters and were superb on defense and on the glass."

Unfortunately, a four-minute stretch, filled with stale offense, was the final straw for the Bobcats.

Appleby said the team's effort, along with "great support from a loud Summerland crowd" was appreciated.

"I am really proud of our four seniors and their great contributions this year and throughout their career, they have set a very high bar for Summerland Lady Bobcats basketball. Brenna Wagner, Maryssa Long, Avery Cheatum and Kyra Nilson all were great contributors to the program."

Wagner was a four-year starter and will hold most Lady Bobcat records as the player who filled the stat sheet in every way possible and "led with her fiery emotion."

The coach called Cheatum "a smart player, cool customer who would do anything for the team" and who became a good three-point shooter.

Appleby said Long did a lot of the "dirty work inside," with rebounding, setting screens and being physical inside.

Nilson returned after two years and didn't miss a beat.

"We look forward to the future with our returning core of Adyson Mlnarik, Emily Nordby and Hadley Cheatum and will have players working hard to improve and join the playing rotation to make for a bright future for the Lady Bobcats," the coach said.